During the Second World War, art treasures were stored in the Kunstbunker near Castricum to keep them out of the hands of the Germans and to protect them from attacks. Even the world famous Night Watch is stored here. The director and curator of the Stedelijk Museum took turns keeping watch from a barrack nearby.

Nowadays there is also a link with a museum. The Amsterdam film museum Eye now owns the bunker and stores fragile and flammable nitrate films there. Some nitrate films are over 100 years old.

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Klaske Schep

November 10, 2023

Hiking

The very first art bunker was built in the dunes near Castricum on behalf of the municipality of Amsterdam. Construction began in November 1939 and was completed in April 1940. …

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Kerstin

June 12, 2020

Hiking

Art treasures from the Rijksmuseum and the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam were kept here during the Second World War. Even the famous "night watch" was here at times.

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1. Low-threshold North Holland routes - Hills and war remains in the North Holland Dune Reserve

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2. The Jellyfish of Castricum – De Kwal Water Outlet loop from Castricum

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3. Hof van Kijk-Uit – The Castricum Art Bunker loop from Castricum

10.0km

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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Informations

Elevation 10 m

Weather

Tuesday 17 March

16°C

6°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h

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Location: Castricum, North Holland, Netherlands

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The Castricum Art Bunker

1. Low-threshold North Holland routes - Hills and war remains in the North Holland Dune Reserve

2. The Jellyfish of Castricum – De Kwal Water Outlet loop from Castricum

3. Hof van Kijk-Uit – The Castricum Art Bunker loop from Castricum

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